Topic 5 Fuel cells Flashcards
What do fuel cells use to produce electrical energy
Fuel and oxygen
What is a fuel cell
An electrical cell they is supplied with fuel and oxygen and used energy from the reaction between them to produce electrical energy efficiently
What happens when fuel enters the cell
It becomes oxidised and sets up a potential difference within the cell
What does a hydrogen oxygen fuel cell do
Combines hydrogen and oxygen to produce clean water and release energy
What type of reactions do hydrogen oxygen fuel cells involve
Redox reactions
Advantages of using fuel cells in vehicles
Don’t produce any pollutants
Batteries are rechargeable as a limit to how many times and they’re more expensive
Batteries store less energy than fuel cells
Disadvantages of fuel cells
Hydrogen is a gas so takes up loads more space to store than a rechargeable battery
Hydrogen is more explosive when mixed with air so it’s hard to store safely
How do you feel is often made either from hydrocarbons (fossil fuels) or electrolysis of water which uses electricity
